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UNC Medical Center Women's Center Visitation Policy

Due to coronavirus/COVID-19, ONLY ONE designated visitor/birth partner will be allowed in with patients from arrival through postpartum stay.

The support person/birth partner is not allowed to the leave the building after the patient is admitted. They should bring both their labor and postpartum bag with them into the hospital. If the support person leaves the hospital, they cannot re-enter until day of discharge to pick up mom and baby.

Please note: If the birth partner leaves, they will not be allowed back into the facility.

Tour N.C. Women's Hospital

Newborn Photography Suspended Due to COVID-19

Due to the unprecedented circumstances related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Bella Baby Photography has suspended its newborn photography services at UNC Medical Center.

If you are interested in newborn photography from Bella Baby Photography, please fill out this customer information form and a member of their team will contact you to discuss alternatives to scheduling a photo shoot.

Where to Go When You’re in Labor

Contact your provider’s office if you are in active labor for instructions on when to come to N.C. Women's Hospital. Your provider can tell you where you should go when you arrive to give birth. The stork entrance at N.C. Women’s Hospital is always open.

Parking

Have your support person take you inside, then park by the main entrance to the hospital. Depending on when you arrive, you may have the option for valet parking.

What to Expect During Labor

After arriving, a nurse will assess you to determine your stage of labor. If you’re in active labor, you’ll stay in a labor and delivery room, and we’ll monitor your and your baby’s health.

Pain Management During Labor

You’ll appreciate having options to help you feel comfortable as you progress through labor. You and your partner may choose:

Medications for Pain Relief

Cesarean Birth

If a Cesarean birth (C-section) is the recommended way for you to deliver your baby, trust the advanced technology and specialized care at UNC Medical Center for a healthy and safe delivery.

Visitors During Labor & Delivery

You can have up to three visitors, including a doula, while you’re in labor. Children 12 and younger must be with another adult. Check with your provider about any visitor restrictions during flu season. You can request a doula when you arrive at the hospital.

In most cases, your support person can stay with you during a Cesarean birth.

Taking Pictures & Video

When you arrive to deliver your baby, discuss your photography plans with your labor and delivery team. For safety, tripods, freestanding lights, and electrical cords cannot be used. Video cameras must be battery operated. Rely on your team to show you a safe place for you to take photos once your baby is born. There may be procedures or emergency situations when you won’t be able to photograph or videotape.

Care & Support after Delivery

Following the birth of your baby, move into our comfortable and secure postpartum unit. Depending on the type of delivery you had and your health, you may stay in the hospital two to four days. Trust your care team to help you:

Bond with your baby by rooming in and skin-to-skin contact

Feed your baby

Give the first bath

Newborn Tests

Your baby will receive tests to screen for medical conditions shortly after birth. When conditions are detected early, your baby can get treatment as soon as possible. We’ll check your newborn for:

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Birth Certificate

Depend on us to send your information to the North Carolina State Office of Vital Statistics for your baby’s birth certificate. Fill out as much information possible before the birth of your baby to help the process of getting you home go smoothly.

Going Home

Your care provider will decide what day you’ll return home based on your health and insurance coverage. On the day you go home, your care team will discuss with you your plans for leaving the hospital.

You and your baby may get approval to go home at different times since you have a different doctor than your baby. You’ll need a car seat to take home your baby safely.

Tour the Birth Care Center

Search the calendar and register for a tour of the birth center where you'll deliver your baby.